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While many TikTok skincare trends are questionable (to say the least), we’ve finally found one that has serious dermatologist and expert approval. Meaning: this is a trend worth trying. “Skin cycling” is the hot term for using various skincare products on different days, giving your complexion a break from potent active ingredients to achieve optimal results.

“It is essentially a ‘less is more’ kind of skincare practice,” says Tiffany J. Libby, M.D., a derma­tologist in Providence, Rhode Island. Think start low and go slow. “It’s a concept that prioritizes moderation, and attaining results without causing the skin barrier to become compromised.”

The biggest benefit? “Skin cycling gives skin increased tolerability to actives,” says Michelle Henry, M.D., a dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan. Also, it’s a flexible concept. “The beauty is that while the ritual has a template, it’s not a hard and fast rule,” she explains. “You can tweak it to make it work for your skin.” We’ve got the guidelines below on how to embrace this routine.

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What is skin cycling?

“The process involves alternating the application of strong active skincare ingredients like exfoliants and retinoids to minimize the chance of irritation,” explains Dr. Libby. But skin cycling isn’t entirely new: “It’s a tried­ and­ true derm­ approved method with a catchy new name,” says Dr. Henry.

Does skin cycling actually work and what are the results?

“The biggest advantage of skin cycling is that it prevents overuse of active ingredients, which can ultimately do more harm than good,” Dr. Libby says. “While it’s effective for all skin types, it can be a game-changer for those with sensitive skin, as it eases the complexion into exfoliating ingredients and retinoids.”

How many days is skin cycling?

Typically, skin cycling is done over four days, but as we mentioned above, “that is just a template,” says Dr. Henry. “There are many ways to do it; for example, you can always add an extra day of recovery if you think your skin needs it.”

What are the steps of a skin cycling routine?

Night One: Exfoliating

This step is about sloughing off dead skin cells to smooth and clarify. Dr. Libby recommends using chemical exfoliants like alpha, beta or poly hydroxy acids (the gentlest option) over physical versions like scrubs, which can be abrasive.

Night Two: Retinol Treatment

The vitamin A derivative is proven to reduce wrinkles and dark spots. Dr. Henry suggests using the sandwich method when applying: “Start with moisturizer, follow with a retinol treatment and finish with another layer of moisturizer.”

Nights Three and Four: Recovery Skincare

These nights, focus on fortifying the skin’s moisture barrier with nourishing serums and moisturizers. “Look for ingredients like ceramides and humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid to lock hydration in,” Dr. Libby advises.

Is skin cycling good or bad?

Skin cycling is a good practice for pretty much all skin types, but it can be extra beneficial for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin. While the trend has many benefits, there are some caveats:

It could delay the results of your skincare. “It may take slightly longer to see effects from skincare treatments like retinoids when you use them two to three times per week as opposed to daily, which would deliver maximum results,” Dr. Libby explains.

It may not be necessary for tolerant skin. If your skin can already handle consistent use of active ingredi­ents like exfoliators and retinol, you won’t get the most benefit out of skin cycling. “There is no reason to go backward,” Dr. Henry says.

Contributing Beauty Editor

Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.